FACEBOOK

Translate

Follow by Email

PINTEREST

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Some progress has been made on my next quilt project, albeit slowly. Just when I thought I was ready to test run a layout of the Half Square Triangle (HST) blocks, I came to the rather unexpected conclusion that I had made no where near enough blocks! I am still about 120 blocks short (how can this be?). That just goes to show you how bad my maths is.

120 more blocks still required!

I wonder if you trim back your blocks? I prefer to make my blocks just a tad on the large side, even up to 1/4 inch bigger than what is needed, and then trim the blocks back accurately to the correct size. I find this works well for me; it makes sewing blocks together a breeze, and therefore results in a nice flat quilt top. It is however a very time-consuming task.

Maybe I have to trim back blocks because my sewing technique just isn't up to scratch?

My challenge seems to be trimming at the right time. I learnt not to trim my block until the block was complete otherwise it ends up much smaller at the end of trying to square it up after every line of sewing.

Yep- I always make them bigger and trim them down. That way I am sure they are all the exact same size, and the quilt goes together nciely and lays flat, too! I use the Triangle Square Up ruler from Eleanor Burns- LOVE that ruler! ~ Jennie

It depend on the quilt - if it is something where the triangles have to match up precisely to make the look, then I will make them bigger and trim. If there's not going to be another half square triangle touching it to give away the wonkiness, then I won't always. Lazy, I know.

My last major project with half-triangle squares, I realized when I was about 2/3 of the way through making the blocks that I needed about 20 more than I had and it was really aggrivating. 120 might make me scream. Looks like what you have is fantastic, though.

you don't just make quilts....you make amazing quilts....i should try your cutting method and make mine a little larger, that could potentially eliminate some frustration. for now i just cut carefully and hope for the best.

120 more blocks!!! Well I guess what they say about quilters is true - they have lots of patience. I can't wait to see it done!! Being a new quilter I've never heard of making the squares bigger and then trimming - that tip will definitely come in handy - thanks!

I guess I'm the odd one out here? I don't trim. I've learned over time that an accurate 1/4" seam is an absolute must for some patterns..so I make sure my seams are accurate. With half square triangles you can trim..but some blocks, like a lemoyne star you can't. I just make sure I'm on my mark when sewing and feed things through evenly and no problems. :) I did a mystery quilt that had us trim after sewing our units and it seemed like it took forever! I will have to say though..you do some of the most beautiful quilts I've seen posted..so obviously, it's working for you!

I trim, but not at this stage. I would trim later when the units are made into larger blocks. You should do some practice on a few HST squares and try to get an accurate scant 1/4 inch. I did this, even though I had made quite a few successful quilts and it made a world of difference for my accuracy.

I'm sure you know to be careful with the iron on triangles. Press gently, don't pull against the seam or you pull the HST out of shape and you will not be able to avoid trimming!

Trimming is my favorite part of making the half square triangle. It's so satisfying to have perfect squares each time ready for the next step. I have a few hundred sitting on my cutting board right now in the trimming process.

LOL. I totally agree with your method, even though it takes FOREVER. I've decided it's not my sewing that's a fault, it's when I press that the stupid triangles get distorted and the whole thing ends up not quite square.

When I started quilting some years ago, I made lots of mistakes because I calculated the inches into cm. Since I use inch rulers and understand the metric system, everything goes smooth and I almost never trim.

I guess as long as you’re enjoying the process of making a quilt, it doesn’t matter how you put it together! And you can definitely make gorgeous quilts!

My math...especially when it comes to working out block sizes for quilts, is just shocking! I am certainly going to take that advice on board as I can never work out why my pieced blocks are never the 'right' size. Gotta be my sewing! These triangles look gorgeous.

I'm also a newbie and love reading all about it! Funnily enough I just tried to make a 15" square.. came out as 14". I have realized it is because I use an sewingfoot that has a '1/4"' attachment and obviously it is not quite accurate.... So I sewed on a few extra strips (going to pretend I meant to all along of course...) and now ended up with 17 x16. It occured to me I could trim after the event. I will from now on make everything a little bigger. I'm glad I am not the only trimmer then... phew...

I am so lazy that I rarely trim. Unless some blocks are so out of whack that I have no other choice. But I don't usually make the tiny blocks that you do, so I think there's more margain for error! Can't wait to see the new quilt!

I'm so glad to hear i'm not the only one who has to trim because i can't "drive" right. I always trim! Wish I didn't have to, but it makes it much easier to get a great finished product. You're quilts are awesome!

I always trim, or at least check square. Even though I do a lot improvisational work I believe strongly in the fundamentals of technique - consistent seams, pressing, and keeping square. You can't just wait until the end to fix any blips or mistakes.

It all depends on the accuracy of your machine's 1/4" seam allowance...I don't always trust mine so I do typically trim. Whenever I use a "non-square" shaped template, hex, triangle, etc., I alwasy have to trim.

Okay. Apparently I am the only person who is not a trimmer. Admittedly I haven't read all 42 comments, but I seem to at least be in the minority. My seaming isn't always perfect, certainly, so I must just be lazy -- don't want to take all that time. I don't usually draw the lines either for HSTs, but I KNOW I should do that. Eyeball method doesn't always work.

With the only quilt top I've ever made I trimmed - because my piecing was a bit inaccurate and the blocks needed to be square (not rectangular like they'd turned out). My engineering brain needs things to be square and bugger the time it takes to get it right!!

I use the triangle papers when I'm making my half square triangles. You don't need to trim when you use them. They come out perfect every time. If you shorten your stitch length when you use the papers they come off fast and easy.